Best Laptop WITHOUT Graphics Card: 5 Reviews and FAQ
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Although it may seem hard to believe, there are some amazing laptops out there without a graphics card.
You want to buy a laptop, but you don’t know if you should get one with or without a graphics card. A laptop without a graphics card may seem like an odd choice, but there are many reasons why you might want one.
When you’re spending $2,000 on a gaming laptop, and more than 10% of your budget goes towards the graphics card, there’s no need to stress what gaming performance it will offer. If all this talk has got your heart racing, then know that while higher-end laptops may come with dedicated GPUs, they aren’t necessary for basic tasks like web browsing or word processing!
Not everyone needs an expensive gaming laptop. If you don’t plan to play games regularly at home, cheaper options work better depending on your needs.
A dedicated graphics card is important for gaming and other high-powered tasks, but it can also drive up the price of your laptop. Maybe you’re looking for a more affordable option, or maybe you need a small and lightweight machine. Whatever your reason, we’ve got the perfect list for you!
This article will review five of the best laptops without graphics cards today. We’ll also answer some common questions about these machines so that you can make an informed decision before purchasing one.
Best Laptop Without Graphics Card | Compared
CLICK any image to see ratings, reviews, prices, and opinions!
| Image | Title | Buy | Empire Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | Dell XPS 13 | Buy Now | Best Overall Laptop Without a Graphics Card |
 | Microsoft Surface Pro 7 | Buy Now | Best Work & Play Laptop Without a Graphics Card |
 | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano | Buy Now | Best Lightweight Laptop Without Graphics Card |
 | ASUS VivoBook 15 | Buy Now | Best 15-inch Laptop Without a Graphics Card |
 | Acer Aspire 5 | Buy Now | Best Value Laptop Without Graphic Card |
Best Laptop Without Graphics Card | Reviews
1. Dell XPS
- Graphics cards are one of the most important components in a laptop for gamers and creative professionals. They help to create realistic visuals and enable smooth gameplay. However, they can also be expensive, and not all laptops need them. If you're looking for a great laptop that doesn't have a graphics card, the Dell XPS is a great option.
- CPU and GPU: It's powered by 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1195 G7 mobile processors so that you can enjoy incredibly immersive entertainment on a remarkably thin and light touchscreen laptop. The Intel Iris Plus graphics take a huge leap forward in gaming, streaming, and creativity, pushing a smoother, more detailed, and more vivid experience.
- RAM and Storage: The Dell XPS 13 is a high-performance laptop perfect for demanding users. It is equipped with a 512GB SSD, which provides ample storage space for your files. Additionally, the 16GB DDR4 RAM ensures that your system can handle strenuous tasks. This powerful combination of features makes the XPS 13 an excellent choice for anyone in need of a reliable and powerful laptop.
- Display and Keyboard: It features a 13.4 FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge Touch Anti-Reflective 500-Nit Display. This high-quality screen is perfect for those who need pinpoint accuracy for all their computing needs. With a 1920 x 1200 resolution, the Dell XPS 13 offers clear and crisp visuals perfect for viewing photos and videos.
- The 500-nit touchscreen display also offers great responsiveness and accuracy, making it easy to navigate your way around the computer. In addition, the anti-reflective coating on display helps to reduce glare and eye fatigue. The full-size keyboard is comfortable to use, and the black palm rest is made from aerospace-inspired carbon fiber, which is strong like aluminum but lighter in weight.
- Ports and Connections: The Dell XPS 13 is a powerful and versatile laptop that offers plenty of options for connectivity. The Thunderbolt 3 ports support both DisplayPort and power delivery and can transfer data at up to 40Gbps.
- The 3.5mm headphone jack allows you to connect headphones or a microphone, and the MicroSD card reader makes it easy to transfer files from your camera or other devices. The Type-C to USB-A adapter is also included, which allows you to connect older devices that use the older USB standards. Overall, the Dell XPS 13 offers a great selection of features and ports that make it a very versatile laptop.
2. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
- The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is one of the best work and play laptops. It's a great choice for business professionals who need a reliable machine to handle demanding tasks and for busy students who need a powerful laptop for schoolwork and entertainment. The Surface Pro 7 doesn't have a dedicated graphics card, but it makes up for this with its impressive Intel Iris Plus graphics.
- CPU and GPU: The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a 2-in-1 detachable laptop with a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and Intel Iris Plus Graphics. The processor is one of the most important components of a laptop, and the Surface Pro 7 has a fairly powerful one that can perform admirably. The Intel Iris Plus Graphics is also impressive, and it provides the Surface Pro 7 with a great visual performance. These two components create a powerful laptop capable of handling virtually any task.
- RAM and Storage: The new Microsoft Surface Pro 7 comes with various features that appeal to students and professionals alike. The device is now available with 16GB RAM and up to 1TB of cloud storage. This means that users will be able to store more files and access them more quickly.
- Display and Keyboard: The Surface Pro 7 has a 12.3 touchscreen display that supports pen input, making it perfect for those who want to type, touch, draw, or write. In laptop mode, the built-in Kickstand props up the screen, and the optional Type Cover attaches to the bottom of the device to form a traditional clamshell laptop. The Type Cover includes a comfortable keyboard and trackpad, making it an ideal business laptop for working on long documents or browsing the web.
- For a more natural writing and drawing experience, the Surface Pro 7 can be placed in studio mode. This lowers the Kickstand to a 15-degree angle, making it easier to hold the steady device using the Surface Pen. Finally, tablet mode is perfect for reading books or watching movies.
- Ports and Connections: One of the main selling points of the Surface Pro 7 is its port selection. It features both USB-C and USB-A ports, which means that it can be connected to a wide range of displays, docking stations, and other accessories. The USB-C port also supports power delivery, so you can charge your Surface Pro 7 while you're using it.
3. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano
- The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano is one of the lightest and thinnest laptops on the market, making it ideal for those who need a portable computer. Yet it still manages to pack in a ton of features.
- CPU and GPU: The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano is a laptop with a powerful Intel Core i7 11th Gen i7-1160G7 Quad-core (4 Core) 2.10 GHz processor. The 11th gen processors offer more power and efficiency than previous generations, and the quad-core design means that this laptop can easily handle demanding graphic design tasks. One of the key features of this laptop is its Intel XE graphics. This integrated graphics processor offers significantly better performance than previous generations, and they offer better performance and improved battery life.
- RAM and Storage: The notebook is also equipped with 16GB DDR4 RAM to keep all of your programs and files open without slowing down performance. The device also comes with a 256GB SSD, so you will have plenty of room to store your documents, photos, and other files.
- Display and Keyboard: The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nanos 13 2160 x 1350 screen is a great way to stay productive while on the go. Covering 72% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, it delivers clear and bright images. And with 430 nits of brightness, you'll be able to see even in direct sunlight. Plus, the anti-glare display helps reduce eye fatigue.
- And despite its small footprint, the ThinkPad X1 Nano still managed to fit in generously sized keys with proper spacing. Though a few undersized keys (Alt, PrtSc, Ctrl, arrow keys) and the inverted Fn and Ctrl keys may bother some users.
- Ports and Connections: One thing to keep in mind is that there are no USB Type-A ports. You'll need to buy a Bluetooth mouse, as there is no way to connect a standard wired mouse. There are a pair of Thunderbolt 4 inputs on the laptops left side, so you can connect to other peripherals if needed.
- The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano is a beautifully designed laptop that hits all the right notes in terms of features and performance. The carbon and magnesium materials used in its construction give it a premium look and feel. At the same time, the military-grade build quality ensures that it can withstand the rigors of everyday use.
- The IR camera and fingerprint sensor provide an extra layer of security, while the rubber pointing stick and discrete top clickers make navigation a breeze. The 13.0-inch, 2K display is impressively sharp and bright, and the keyboard is extremely comfortable to use. Perhaps best of all, the X1 Nano lasts for 12 hours on a single charge, making it ideal for extended use.
4. ASUS VivoBook 15
- Introducing the ASUS VivoBook 15, a reliable computer that offers a variety of features to users. It's a stylish and lightweight laptop perfect for working on the go. Let's take a look at its main features.
- CPU and GPU: It is equipped with the latest 10th Gen Intel Core i3-1005G1 CPU, which offers four processing cores and a turbo boost clock speed of up to 3.4 GHz. One of the key features of this laptop is the Intel UHD Graphics. This allows you to enjoy smooth visuals and seamless gaming. Whether watching a movie or playing your favorite game, you'll appreciate the enhanced graphics.
- RAM and Storage: You would expect this categorys memory and available storage. The VivoBook 15 has an ample amount of both, with 8GB RAM and a 128GB SSD. This will allow you to store all of your important files and programs without worrying about running out of space.
- Display and Keyboard: VivoBook 15 has a 15.6 inch Full HD (1920x1080) 4-way NanoEdge bezel display with a stunning 88% screen-to-body ratio. This gives you more immersive viewing experiences and fewer distractions when working on creative projects or watching movies. The anti-glare panel also ensures that you'll still be able to see what you're doing even in direct sunlight.
- This Windows laptop features an ergonomic backlit keyboard with a fingerprint sensor. The fingerprint sensor is activated via Windows Hello, a security feature that uses biometric data to authenticate users. Despite being one of the largest laptops in its class, it weighs only 3.75lbs.
- Ports and Connections: It has a wide range of ports, making it easy to connect to various devices. USB 3.2 Type-C and USB 3.2 Type-A offer high-speed data transfer, while USB 2.0 is perfect for connecting older devices. HDMI makes it easy to connect to a monitor or TV, and Gigabit Wi-Fi 5 provides fast, reliable wireless internet access. Whether working from home or on the go, the VivoBook 15 has the connections you need.
- The battery life isnt great, so it's not ideal for long road trips or flights, but it does have a fast-charge feature. Overall, the ASUS VivoBook 15 is a solid laptop that should meet the needs of most users.
5. Acer Aspire 5
- Acer's Aspire 5 is a great laptop for anyone in the market for an affordable yet powerful machine. Under the hood, you'll find features found on way more expensive machines. Let's explore these:
- CPU and GPU: The Acer Aspire 5 is a great choice for anyone in the market for a new notebook. It's powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 3350U processor, which delivers desktop-class performance and amazing battery life. With Precision Boost, you can get up to 3.5GHz for your high-demand applications. The Aspire 5 with the AMD Radeon Vega 6 mobile graphics is good for general use and some light gaming. It will not handle the most demanding video game or video editing tasks, but it should be able to handle most tasks that users will throw at it.
- RAM and Storage: It comes with 4GB of DDR4 RAM and a 128GB NVMe solid-state drive for storage. It also has one available slot for additional memory and one hard drive bay for additional storage. This laptop is ideal for those who need a reliable machine for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, checking email, and streaming video. It is also a good choice for students or business professionals who need a lightweight laptop to handle basic productivity tasks.
- Display and Keyboard: The laptop screen is a key component and the 15.6 Full HD display is bright and clear, and the 82.58% screen-to-body ratio ensures that you'll have plenty of room to work. The backlit keyboard is comfortable, and the fingerprint reader adds an extra layer of security. The Windows Hello sign-in option makes it easy to access your Acer PC, and the 16:9 aspect ratio is perfect for watching movies or working on presentations.
- Ports and Connections: The Aspire 5 comes with various connections to support all of your accessories. USB 3.2 Type-C and 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (1 Power-off Charging) allow you to connect to various devices. HDMI 2.0 with HDCP support provides high-definition content support. The headphone speaker line-out jack gives you the option to connect to external speakers. Ethernet (RJ-45) provides a fast and reliable connection to the internet. Finally, the DC-in for the AC adapter provides power for the device. With all of these options, you will be able to connect to any device you need.
- The Acer Aspire 5 is a well-equipped laptop that should be able to handle most of your needs. It has a large screen, plenty of storage space, and impressive features. The only potential downside is the amount of RAM, which is insufficient for heavy users. Overall, the Acer Aspire 5 is a great choice for those seeking an everyday and affordable computer.
Video: You Don’t Need a Graphics Card!
What to Expect With Laptops Without Graphics Cards?
Most laptops come with a graphics card these days, but a few models still don’t. So, what can you expect from a laptop without a graphics card?
FPS rates
First, expect lower resolution and FPS in games. This is because graphics-intensive games require a lot of processing power, which a dedicated graphics card can provide. Your laptop will have to rely on its CPU to handle all the processing, lower frame rates, and resolution without a graphics card.
Additionally, you may also experience reduced performance when editing videos or photos and when using design programs that are demanding on resources. However, not all is lost without a graphics card. Many laptops that don’t have a dedicated GPU still offer good performance for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, checking email, and streaming videos.
Display
Graphics cards are one of the main components of a laptop that help create visuals on the screen. Without a graphics card, your laptop would be limited to displaying text and basic shapes. While this might be adequate for some tasks, it would make playing AAA-rated games, streaming 4K movies seamlessly, and working with photo and video editing software nearly impossible.
GPU
A laptop without a graphics card can still perform a wide variety of tasks, from browsing the internet to streaming video and even light gaming. However, it will struggle to run resource-hungry software and modern video games.
The main difference between a laptop with a graphics card and one without is the amount of dedicated RAM available for processing graphics. Your laptop will have to rely on its integrated graphics processor without a graphics card, which is likely to be much slower. This can reduce frame rates and stuttering in games and even slow down other software that relies heavily on graphics processing.
Suppose you’re looking to do serious gaming or multimedia work on your laptop. In that case, it’s worth investing in the best gaming laptop with a dedicated graphics card, such as the Nvidia Geforce GTX.
CPU
A CPU, or central processing unit, is the main chip in a laptop that carries out all the instructions a computer needs to perform its basic functions. Laptops without dedicated graphics cards rely on their CPU to handle the complex calculations needed to render images and videos.
As a result, these laptops can often be slower than gaming laptops with dedicated graphics cards for graphically intensive tasks. However, they are typically more than adequate for everyday use, such as browsing the web, working with documents, and streaming video. And since they don’t need a separate graphics card, they tend to be more affordable than their gaming-oriented counterparts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a graphic card?
The term “graphic card” conjures up images of high-end gaming rigs with multiple monitors and eye-popping visuals for most computer users. However, even if you’re not a gamer, there are plenty of good reasons to consider investing in a graphic card. Here’s a quick overview of what graphic cards do and how they can benefit you, even if you’re using your computer for everyday tasks.
When it comes to GPUs, there are two main types: integrated and dedicated. An integrated GPU is built into the CPU, while a dedicated GPU is a separate piece of hardware. So, do you need a dedicated graphics card? It depends on what you plan to use your computer for. An integrated GPU will be sufficient if you only need it for basic tasks like browsing the web and checking email.
However, if you plan to do any gaming or other resource-intensive activities, you’ll need a dedicated graphics card. Integrated GPUs are generally less powerful than dedicated GPUs, so they can’t handle as much workload. Dedicated GPUs also come with their VRAM (video RAM), which helps to improve performance.
The best-integrated graphics processors are:
Intel Iris Plus
Intel Iris Xe
Radeon RX Vega 11
The best-dedicated graphics cards are:
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
Nvidia RTX 3080
AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT
Can you play PC games without a graphics card?
Many people believe that you need a powerful graphics card to play modern PC games. However, this is not always the case. While a graphics card can certainly improve your gaming experience, there are plenty of games that you can enjoy without one.
Games that are less demanding on your system, such as text-based or have simple graphics, can often be played without a graphics card. In addition, some older games may not require a graphics card at all. As a result, if you’re looking to save money or don’t want to upgrade your entire system, it’s worth checking to see if you can play your favorite games without a graphics card.
Should I buy a laptop with a graphics card if you are not a gamer?
One of the main things to consider when purchasing a laptop is what you will be using it for. If you are not a gamer, you likely do not need a laptop with a graphics card. While they can be helpful for other activities such as watching movies or editing photos, they are not essential and will only add to the cost of the laptop. Instead, focus on other more important features, such as the size, battery life, and type of processor. With so many options on the market, there is sure to be a laptop that perfectly suits your needs – without breaking the bank.
Do you need a graphics card for machine learning?
Graphics cards are specialized pieces of hardware that are designed to render graphics. They are typically used in gaming rigs, as they can significantly boost performance. However, you can also use graphics cards for other applications, such as video editing or machine learning.
Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence that deals with training computer algorithms to learn from data. While most machine learning algorithms can run on a standard CPU, some types of neural networks require a GPU to function properly. A GPU will generally provide a speedup of about 10-100x compared to a CPU.
So, do you need a graphics card for machine learning? If you want to train complex neural networks, then the answer is yes.
Benefits of getting a laptop without a graphics card
Laptops are a great tool for anyone who needs to be able to access computing power while on the go. However, many people feel they need to get a laptop with a graphics card to enjoy all the laptops’ features. While it is true that a graphics card can offer some benefits, there are also several good reasons to consider getting a laptop without one.
Cheaper
One of the benefits of getting a laptop without a graphics card is that it’s cheaper. You don’t need to pay for the extra processing power or memory that a graphics card requires so that you can save money on your purchase.
Runs cooler
A graphics card is one of the most important components in a laptop, responsible for translating complex images into graphics displayed on a screen. However, graphics cards can also be one of the biggest heat sources in a laptop, and they often require a dedicated cooling system. As a result, laptops without a graphics card tend to run cooler and be less susceptible to overheating, often the death of laptops.
Longer battery life
Without a graphics card, your laptop will use less power, which means your battery will last longer. This can be especially beneficial if you’re constantly on the go and don’t always have easy access to an outlet.
Portable and lightweight
Since laptops without graphics cards are typically smaller and lighter than their counterparts, they’re perfect for people who need a portable computer to take with them wherever they go.
Conclusion
So, if you’re not one of the lucky people who will be using their laptops to play games on a professional level, don’t feel bad about saving some money and going for something a little more affordable.
Unless you’re an avid gamer with a fat wallet, you don’t need all that power (and money) to play your favorite games. If budget is your main concern – and it should be for most people – then there are plenty of cheaper options that will still offer good performance for everyday use. Plus, they come with way less stress than dropping two grand on something you might not even need!
You may want to consider looking into laptops that come with integrated graphics cards-they’ll still give you great performance for your everyday needs!
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